The Milwaukee Bucks have two of the best players in NBA history, and so there are naturally huge expectations on them. One-time champion Kendrick Perkins reminded them of the pressure they are on during their showdown with the Phoenix Suns on Sunday.
Perkins emphasized that the Bucks have no other choice but win considering that talent they have. If they can’t, Giannis Antetokounmpo can no longer say that there’s no failed season.
Milwaukee Bucks on Championship-or-Bust Path
Perkins noted on NBA Countdown that the Bucks wouldn’t be able to escape criticisms if they don’t reach the Finals and win it all this 2023-24 season. After all, considering the talent they have, it will be unacceptable if they even can’t compete for the title.
Big Perk also highlighted that both Giannis and Damian Lillard are Top 75 players who are in their prime years. These are two of the greatest players to ever step foot on an NBA hardwood, so there’s really no reason for them not to fight for a title when talking about talents.
“You have two top 75 greatest players playing on the same team. There’s no way in hell your expectations shouldn’t be reaching the NBA Finals. If they [the Bucks] don’t reach the Finals, it’s a failed season for them,” Perkins shared.
To be fair to Perkins, he makes a good point. The Bucks paid big in order to acquire Lillard and pair him up with Antetokounmpo. Definitely, their reason for that is far from just being able to sell-out arenas. They always needed a capable secondary scorer behind the Greek Freak, and they got one in Dame Time.
Milwaukee has certainly shown that they can compete against the best of the best, though it has yet to be seen if they can maintain it come playoffs.
Milwaukee Bucks Facing Tough Test
Sure enough, reaching the NBA Finals won’t be so easy for the Milwaukee Bucks. After all, the East is pretty loaded at the top.
The Boston Celtics have been the best and most consistent team throughout the 2023-24 campaign, and it will definitely take a lot for the Bucks to overcome them. The Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks, Indiana Pacers and Philadelphia 76ers are also looking dangerous, especially if they are healthy.
While the Bucks have all the talent in the world to win, the fact is they can’t really be complacent in this tough Eastern Conference.
For now, though, Milwaukee fans can only wait and see the path that the Bucks will take come the postseason. Hopefully, the team remains healthy as well since that will be key in their championship bid.
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